Combined washing and drying machine



N0 1671937@ w. A. FRANTz Er AL l2,099,163

I COMBINED WASHING ND DRYING MACHINE Filed ay 2 7, 1952 6 ShetS-Shei. 1

6 Sheets- Sheet 2 Nov. 16, 1937. w. A. FRANTZ Erm.

v COMBINED WASHING .AND DRYING MMTHIHIV Filed May 27, 1932 32 INVENToRs ATroRNEY Nov. 16, 1937. w, A, FANTZ- ET M V 2,099,163

counmn WASHING' AND DRYING MACHINE IN'vr-:NToRs B Jahn J. Me'cab ATTORNEY Walter A. Frantz Nov. .16, 1937. w. A. FRAN-rz ET A1. v 2,099,163 COMBINED WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE'l l Filed Hay 27, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS Wa/lterl. Frantz BY John J. M'c'fzb ATTORNEY N0v.16,1937. w. A. FRANTZ ETAL 2,099,163.

COMBINED WASHING ND DRYING MACHINE Filed May 27, 1932 e sheets-sheet 5 INVENTORS Walterl. Frantz ATTORNEY Nov. 16, 1937. v w. A. FRANTZ Er AL v 2,099,163

l COMBINED WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE Filed May 27, 1932 Q 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Walter A. Frant y John J'- McCabe ATTORNEY Passed. Nev. 16,1193? i UNITED STATES PATENT oFEicE n commen WASHING AND DRYING MACHINE Walter A. Frantz, Shaker Heights, and John J. McCabe, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to The Apex Electrical Manufacturing Company, Cleveland,

Chio, a corporationl oi' Ohio ApplicationMay 27, 1932, Serial No. 614,001 '1n claims. (ci. ca -15) This invention relates to combined clothes washing and drying machines, and in particular, washing machines which employs'. centrifugal extractor for performing the drying operation.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, novel supporting means for the tubs' in which thewashing and drying operations are performed. Another object of this invention is'to provide in a machine ofthe type disclosed, a shield formed from a plurality of removable panels for protecting and thermally insulating the washer and extractor tubs. Y

Another object of this-invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, .novel means for rinsing, disinfecting and 'sterilizing the clothes after the washing operation has been performed.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the type described, a form of agitator and tub bottom construction which is arranged to prevent the clothes from Working underneath the base of the agitator.

Another object of this invention is to provide a washing machine operating mechanism of unitary construction, invwhichthe motorA and other operating elements of the mechanism can be assembled and tested as a unit separate from the machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine 'of thel type disclosed, a simple and compact washer drive mechanism, in which the majority of the operating elements are grouped for movement about a common axis. l

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machineof the type disclosed, an improved` means for starting and stopping the operation of the dasher or agitator. y

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved extractortub construction in which the rotation of the extractor basket and the ilow of liquid therein is made use of in emptying the extractor tub.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved frame construction.

Another object of this invention isto provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved pump and pump drive.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved and simplified safety control for the extractor basket. i

' Another object of this invention isto provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved supporting structure for the tubs and the operating elements of the machine.

AnotherI object of thisinvention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved means for handling the liquids used in effecting 5 the washing and rinsing operations.

Another object of Vthis invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, an improved means for securing the caster bearings in position in the supporting legs ofthe machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide in` a machine of the type described, a combined valve and'strain-er through which Water may be supplied to the tubs of the machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained multi-chamber washer, having water supply control and directing means and provisions for connecting the machine to a source of hot and cold water supply and to a drain.'

A further object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the type disclosed, a generally improved and simplified mechanism embodying' a minimum number of parts, which are designed and assembled so as lto permit the manufacture of such a machine by modern high speed factoryproduction methods. l

With v,these and other objects in view, the in- `vention consists in the novel construction, ar-

rangement and combination ofv parts, hereinafter illustrated and described vand some of its embodiments in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed'out in the appended claims.

Inthe drawings: Figure v1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of our improved washing machine.

Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view showing certain details oi the extractor control mechanism.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3 3, Figure 1, showing certain details of the leg construction.

Figure 9 is a. side elevational view oi' one of the elements of the valve shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view of the gear case, shown with the gear case cover broken away in part.

Figure 1l is a sectional view taken on line extractor clutch and control.`

Figure 16 is a plan view oi! the stamped metalI base member.

Figure 17 is a sectional view taken on line Figure 18 is a sectional view taken on line Ill-I8. Figure 16.

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on line I9-I9, Figure 16.

Figure 20 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the mechanism supporting nuts carried by the base member.

Figure 21 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the extractor tub.

Figure 22 is aA plan view oi.' the extractor tub.V

Figure 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 23-23, Figure 22.

Figure 24 is an enlarged sectional view, showing the details of the agitator shaft bearing and packing means.

Figure 25 is an enlarged view, partly in section, showing certain details of the pump.

Figure 26VA is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 26-26, Figure 10. Y

Referring to the complete washing machine illustrated in Figure 1, the numeral I indicates a washer tub which is provided for the'purpose of eiecting therein the washing of clothes and other articles. tioned an extractor tub 2, in which adherent liquid is separated from the clothes after they lhave been washed or rinsed. The tubs I and 2 .upwardly from the bottom oi' the washer tub I, and which is mounted for movement about a vertical,

axis. The agitator 3, is driven by a motor l, which is supported beneath the washing compartment I, and connected in driving relation to the agitator 3, through suitable gearing which will be described in detail presently.

The agitator or dasher 3, operates with a reversely rotary movement about a vertical axis and swings through an arc of substantially one hundred and eighty degrees during its operation. A

perforated extractor basket I, is mounted for rotation in the extractor tub 2, and it is driven by the motor l, through suitable mechanism which is housed and supported beneath the extractor tub.

'Ihe extractor tub 2, and the washer tub I, are secured in place between a stamped metal base I member 6,. and a die-cast metal apertured top Abase 8 and the bottoms of the Beside the washer tub, there is posi mosaics respectively. Theupper threaded ends II of the rods are received in drilled and threaded bosses I3, which are formed integrally with the top plate at spaced intervals on its underside.

The lower threaded ends I2 oi the rods project through suitable holesv I4, pierced in the base member 6,- and they are iitted with nuts I4, by means of which the top plate is brought into engagement withthe channeled rubber rings I 5 and I6, which are iitted over the top edges of the washer and extractor tubs, respectively. A number of rubber pads I1, are interposed between the washer and extractor tubs.

In this manner a strong and resilient mounting is provided for the tubs. I 'he stated tub holding means does not require the piercing of the tubs for bolt holes and the like, thus eliminating the possibility of leakage at such points.

Chipping, cracking and crazing of the porcelain enamel of the tubs during the assemblying of the machine'or in its subsequent use, is practically eliminated through the expedient of gripping the tubs between a Ayielding material such as rubber which is in contact with a relatively large area-oi the tubs. This mounting arrangement avoids the setting up of localized strains in the ance of the machine and, at the same time, serve to thermally insulate the washer tub and to protect the tubs against damage. The panels are of suilicient strength to withstand a relatively heavy blow and even though they are damaged by such a blow, the enameled tubs in most cases, will be found to be unharmed and the machine can be easily reconditioned by simply replacing the damaged panel with a new one. This operation is .easily performed by rst removing the two strips 20, which hold the panel in vquestion,.whereupon the panel can be removed and a new one inserted in its place.

A water supply hose 23, connects the machine vwith hot and cold water supply lines (not shown). The top plate 1, supports a combined valve, strainer and spray nozzle structure 2l. The valve and spray nozzle are arranged so that the water supplied by the hose `23, may be con-4 trolled and directed into either the washing container I, or the extractor basket L 'I'he machine is provided withf"apump 25, which is connected fto adrain hosfflv, that terminates in a goose-'neck 21'. The goose-neck is connected to the hose by a swivel coupling 2l, and is provided for the`purpose of holding the I hose in position to discharge into the washer tub or elsewhere as desired. ff The extractor tub 2, is

directly connected to the pump inlet and is continually drained by the pump during the operation of the machine. The draining oi' the washer tub 2, is under control of a valve 2l..

electric circuit and I'placed in operation.

third positlon,the washing machine agitator 3 is connected in operated relation with the washin 2,099,168 The operation of the agitator 13.' is controlled' by means of a control lever 30, to which is secured a grip or handle 3|. The control lever 36, is capable of occupying three fixed positions. `In the rst position, the motor 4 is inoperative. In the.

second position the motor is connected "toan In the machine gearing and the driving motor.

vThe top plate 1., is provided with openings 32 and 33, which register with the washer and extractor tubs, respectively. A removable cover 32a is provided for the tub opening 32. A` dished cover or chute 34, is pivotally supported in the top plate 1 on a horizontal axis adjacent to the opening 33. 'Ihe opening and closing of the cover 34 stops and starts the rotation of the extractor basket 5. This 'control of the extractor basket is accomplished by means of 'avcam 35, which is integrally formed with the cover, and by other mechanism which will be described in detail in the latter part of this specification.

The arrangement of the extractor-control is such that when the extractor cover 34 is in its open position, as shown in Figure 1, the extractor basket'S is disconnected fromits driving mechanism and a brake is applied to prevent its rotation. In the closed position of the nextractor cover, the brake is automatically released, and the extractor basket is connected yin driven relation with its driving mechanism.

The water and'clothes contained in the washer tube are given a vortex movement by the to and fro rotation of the agitator 3, and in this man- 'ner the clothes are Aquickly and effectively washed.

The agitator 3, is provided with three vertical vanes 36, which extend upwardly from a frustoconical base plate 31. The vanes of the agitator are extended beyond the margin of the base plate 31 for the purpose of preventing the clothes from getting )underneath the downwardly turned edge 38 of the base plate. s

As a further means for preventing the clothes from getting'underneath =the edge 38 of the base plate, the tub is, provided with a conical raised `portion 39, which extends upwardly into the contator induces a vortex movement of the contents of th'e tub. The relative movement of the water and clothes; with reference to the central portion of the tub bottom, is outwardly and upwardly and then inwardly and downwardly.

The contour of the agitator base and the exposed area of the upraised portion of the tub bottom conforms at this point, approximately to the flow lines of the moving contents of the tub when the.A machine is in operation. This -arrangement permits better circulation of` thev tub contents with a Vsmaller power consumption than would be possible with the use of an agitator base, the shape of which tended to oppose the ow of the tub contents or which varied greatly the relatively great distance between these points,

4and in the normal operation of the machine, the

movement of the clothes is always in a direction away from such a' point. v

Under abnormal conditions. such as whenI the machine is loaded with an excessive, amount of clothes, the extended portions 4I of the vanes operate to sweep the clothes clear of the line where the agitator base approaches the tub bottom.

' The agitator 3, is removably secured to its operating shaft 42, by means of an elongated bolt 43. The end 44, of Vthe agitator shaft, is prismatic in shape and has a plurality of at sides which taper towards the axis of the shaft. The agitatorbase is provided with a central socket 45 of Acomplementary form to the prismatic end 4,4 of

is not suicient to throw the clothes against the marginal edge of the'agitator base on account o1.'l

The washer mechanism gearing of the mamit the motor to come up to speed before the load of driving the washing machine mechanism is imposed upon it. The clutch 50 is of similar construction to the clutch illustrated in copendving U. S. patent application Serial Number 497,678, which was illed by W. A..Frantz and l A. W. Seyfried, November 24, .1930, and issued as Patent No. 1,983,661 on December 11, 1934.

In the form of clutchjust referred to,` acentrifugally operated clutch member 5| is fixedly connected to the motor shaft 52. A clutch drum 53,l

is integrally formed withthe pulley 48. The drum and pulley are rotatably journaledfonthe motor shaft and when the motor comes up to speed, 'the centrifugally operated part 5i of the clutch, frictionally engages the -drum 53, and drives the pulley at the lsame speed as that .of the motor shaft. If an overload is imposed upon the motor,

the clutch immediately begins to slip, and thus prevents any damage to the motor.

'I'he motor 4 is secured to the gear case. base 46, by means of a pair of stamped metal plates 54 and 55. These plates are formed with complementary channels 56 and 51, respectively, between Which there is received a rubber sleeve 5,8 and a supporting shaft 59 which it incloses. The motor 4 is pivotally suspended from the projecting ears 60 of the gear case, which arel apertured for receiving the uncovered ends of the shaft 59.-

'lhe stamped metal motor supporting members 54 and 55 are secured to the motor and each other by means of a pair of'bolts 6l.

The lower supporting plate is provided with an extending arm 62, which is engaged between the spring 63 and a wing nut 64. The spring 63 `is compressed between the arm 62 and the gear case base 46 and it serves to resiliently hold the arm 62 in contact with the wing nut B4. The wing nut is threaded onto a rod 65, theupper end of which is screwed into a boss 66, formed on the base 46 of the gear case. The boss 66also serves to position and guide the spring 63, which surrou 'ds it.

A pa r of dielectric washers 61 and 68, are provided to insulate the arm 62 from the spring 63 and the nut 64. The upper washer 61 is engaged by the spring 63 and the lower washer 68 is engaged by the wing nut. washers just mentioned, and the rubber sleeve 58, which forms a sheath for the shaft 59, serves to electrically insulate the motor 4 from the rest of the machine. The sleeve 58 has anged ends 69, for preventing contact between the plates 54 and 55 and the ears 60. The arm 62 is slotted or 'forked at 10, for receiving the rod 65.

The spring 63 is arranged to resiliently oppose the pull of the belt 41 and it co-operates with the rubber sleeve 58 to provide a resilient and flexible mounting for the motor 4. By this arrangement the motor noises are not'transmitted to and amplified by the rest of the machine and an extreme degree of quietness in operation is attained by reason of such construction.

The lower half or base 46 of the gear case, may be constructed in the form of a metal casting. The mechanism belt pulley 49 is flxedly connected to a worm shaft 1 I, which is journaled at one end in an anti-friction bearing 12. An oil seal 13 is provided between the shaft 14 andY the gear case to prevent the escape of oil at this point. The opposite end of the worm shaft is journaled in a plain bearing 14, formed in the gear case base. An oil seal 15 is also provided in the end of this bearing to prevent the escape of oil from the gear case. A worm 16 is threadablyv secured to the shaft 1|.

The lower end of the agitator shaft 42 is journaled in a bearing 11, which is formed in the boss 66 of the gear case base. The shaft 42 provides a bearing ,for the vworm gear 18, which meshes with the worm 16. An eccentric 19, having ahole adjacent to its marginal edge for the receiving of the bushing 80, is flxedly secured to the top of the worm'gear 18 by means of the bolt 8|, which is screwed into the gear 18.

A connecting rod or pitman 82, receives the' eccentric 19 in a suitable bearing 83, formed in one of its ends. The rod 82 is held in place on the eccentric by means of a plate 84, which is tted over the'top of the eccentric and which extends beyond the edge of the eccentric to cover the bearing portion 83 of the connecting rod. The plate 84 is held in position by means of a plurality of drive screws 85, which are driven in the drilled holes 86 of the eccentric.

The opposite end of the connecting rod 82 is provided with a hole 81, in which a bearing pin 88 y is riveted. The pin 88 is journ'aled in a bearing 89, which is formed in the segmental gear 90. The-pin is held in place in the gear 90, by means of a plate 9|, which is secured to the. pin 86 by the drive screw 92. The segmental gear 90 is jcurnaled on a laterally movable bearing pin 93. The rectangular base 94 of the "bearing 93 is recelved in a channel member 95, whichis xedly' secured to the gear case base by means of drive screws 96. i

The lateral movement of the bearing member 9311s effected by means of a pinion 91 which meshes with the rack teeth 98 formed in the` The provision of the agitator shaft 42, by means of a key |05.

cylindrical lower end IOI, which is journaled in a suitable bearing |02, formed in the base of the gear case. lThe gear segment 90 is provided with gear teeth |03 which engage with the gear teeth of the pinion |04, which'is xedly secured to the From the foregoing it is apparent that during the time of operation of the motor 4, the worm 16, the worm gear 18 and the eccentric 19 are continuously driven, the latter two elements being rotated about the agitator shaft 42, as a bearing pin. At the same time, the connecting rod 82 swings the gear segment 90 back and forth about its supporting shaft 93, and this movement of the segment is transmitted through the pinion |04 to the agitator shaft 42, giving it a reverselyrotary angular movement of substantially one hundred and eighty degrees in each direction. It is understood, of course, that such movement of the agitator shaft takes place only when the gear segment 90 is in mesh with the agitator shaft pinion.

The driving of the agitator shaft may be controlled at will by simply rotating in one direction or the other, the pinion 91, which controls the position of the segmental gear bearing pin 93. The agitator shaft 42 provides a bearing member for the worm gear 18 and its associated eccentric 19, thus permitting a very compact arrangement of the elements of such a mechanism while, at the same time, eliminating several parts, such as the worm gear supporting shaft and its associated bearings, 'which are customarily employed in such mechanisms.

The upper end of thesegmental gear shifting pinion 91, is received in a central opening of complementary form, provided by the segmental pinion |06. The segmental pinion |06, is securely held in place on the pinion 91 by means of the bolt I 01 and washer |08, the former of which screws into the pinion 91. The segmental pinion I 06, is operatively geared to a shifting quadrant |09. lThis quadrant has gear teeth IIO, which mesh with the gear teeth ofthe pinion |06.

The quadrant |09, is rotatably supportedabout the agitator shaft bearing member III, and is held in position thereat by means of the plates or clips II2, and their retaining bolts II3, which also serve to hold the bearing member in place on the gear case cover II4. The shifting quadrant has an integrally formed arm II5, to which the lliifting lever 30 is secured by means of the bolts The gear case cover I I4 may be formed from a metal stamping with suitable openings for the agitator shaft bearing I I I, and the segment shifting pinion 91. An annular bearing I I1 is pressed out of 4the gear case cover for receiving and providing a bearing for the depending sleeve II8 of the segmental pinion |06. This pinion is also provided with a downwardly turned outer edge II9, which is provided for the purpose of retaining the packing ring |20 in place. 'I'he packing ring I 20, is provided to prevent the escape of oil from the gear case at the bearing |I1.

The'gear case cover is formed with an outwardly turned edge I2I forengaging the correspondingly formed top edge |22 of the cast metal base of the gear case. A plurality of bolts |23, are used to secure the upper and lower portions of the gear case to each other. The central opening |24, provided in the gear case cover for the agitator shaft 42, has an annular ring |25, welded thereabout to `the under side of the gear case cover. and-thicken the gear case cover at this point so 'A 5 that it may be drilled and tapped for receiving the bolts I |3 provided to holdthe bearing member in place on the gear case cover.

place, the upper end of this cup extends aliovv the top of the bearing member and projects into the tub for a short distance. A lock nut |20. is screwed on the end of the cup to clamp the central portion of the tub bottom to the bearing member III. 'Suitable gaskets or rwashers |29 are yprovided between the Atub andthe bearing member and lock nut, to make a leak-tight joint at this point.

The interior of the cup |21 is of somewhat larger diameter than the shaft 42,. for the pur- 25 pose of accommodating the packing material |30.

Beneath the packing material. a packing gland |3| is loosely fitted in the cup. A spiral spring |32 engages the gland |3I and pushes it against the packing material |30. In this manner the 3.0 packing material is automatically maintained in adjustment and it serves to provide a fluid-tight seal for the shaft 42 over an extended period of time.

Should itever be necessary to renew the pack 35 ing material the cup |21 can be readily removed through the tub bottom for this purpose, without turning to the gear case the oil that works its way up the agitator shaft bearing' and which would have' a tendency to force its way through the packing andthere escape into the Washer'tub if it were not for the provision of the drain hole provided by the passageway |33. l

The gear shifting pinion A|06 and vquadrant.

|09 and the agitator shaft bearingl may be constructed of die castings to eliminate a large 50 number of machining and other finishing 'operations on such parts. 'I'he bearing pin 93 for the gear segment 90 also may be constructed of a die casting.

A spiral groove |34 is formed on a portion of 55 that part of the worm shaft 1| which is received in the bearing 14. One end of the spiral groove |34 is in contact with the oil in the gear case and during the rotation of the shaft, the spiral groove ,causes oil vto be forced into the annular groove |35 which' is cut in the shaft at the opposite end of the spiral groove. The bearing 14 is drilled at a point opposite to the annular groove |35 for the reception of the oil pipe' |36. This pipe communicates with the annular groove |35 65 the segmental gear 90.

The web |31 of the gear 90 is located on a lower level than the edges of the gear segment and thus provides a shallow open container which is capable of holding vconsiderable amount 'of lubricant. Oil holes |38 are drilled in the gear segment for supplying .oil to the fbearingbsurf 75 In thismanner a combined gravity and force- The ring |25 is provided to strengthenI and conducts oil therefrom to the top surface of and during the rotation of the shaft 1| it tends to force oil in a direction to the left along the shaft as viewed in Figure `26. The worm shaft 1I extends through the gear case at the bearing 14 and is there connected to a horizontal drive shaft |39 by means of a universal Joint |40. The universal joint is pro-y vided witha cover |4| for retaining a supply of` grease about the joint. The opposite end of the drive shaft |39 is connected by means of a similar universall joint |42` to the stub shaft |43. This joint is also provided with a d irt excluding and grease retaining cover |44.

-A spring |40 is ,carriedin'one end of the connecting shaft |39 towtake up the end play and prevent the vibration of the shaft when it opcrates. A channel or trough-shaped guard |46 is supported beneath the shaft |39. This guard 'extends a distance beyond the ends ofthe shaft and serves to catch the oil that might escape from the bearings beneath which it is p-sitioned,

yas well as 'providing a guard for the shaft |39.

The shaft |43 is journaled in the bearings |41 and |43 of the extractor gear case base |49. 'Ihe shaft |43 is provided with a helical gear |50 which is r|gidly xed thereon at a point intermediate the ends of the shaft. An oil seal |5| prevents the escape of oil from about the bearing |41. The helical gear |50 engages a second helical gear |52, mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. A third helical gear |53, carried by the horizontal pump shaft |54 meshes with the last mentioned helical gear |52 for the purpose of driving the pump 25. A ball thrust bearing |48* is provided for the shaft |43. An extractor basket supporting shaft |55 is mounted at its lower end in an anti-friction bearing |50. This bearing isttedvin a suitable opening |51 provided in the bottom half |49 of the extractor gear case. A ,closure cap4 |58 secures the bearing in place in thelgear case base. The extractor shaft |55 is provided withv a threaded lower end for reception of a lock nut |59, by means of which the shaft |55 is secured 4to the cone |90 of the anti-friction bearing whereby the -shaft is held against axial movement. g

,The gear case for the extractor mechanism is formed with lower and upper halves |49 and |6|,- respectively. The lower half of the gear case or base |49, is formed with bearings for the motor driven shaft |43 and .the control shaft |91. The cover or upper half ISI -of the 'extractor gear case is formed with a central opening |62, for reception Aof the extractor shaft upper bearing |63.

The extractor shaft bearing |63 is' exteriorly threaded at |64 and is provided with 'an outwardly extending ange |65, 'at its lower end. A nut |66, engaging the threaded part |64 of the bearing |63, is provided for securing the extractor gear case to the frame of the -machine and to the extractor tub. Suitable gasjects.

'I'he extractor shaft is provided with a frusto- -conical upper end |69, which is received in the frusto-conical socket |10 of the extractor basket base |1|. The extractor basket 5 may be readily removed from the shaft |55 by reason of the form of coupling used which constitutes a detachable frictional driving connection.

The extractor basket base |1| is in the form of-a bell-shaped die casting. An inwardly taperingsheet metal drum .|12 is secured to the base |1| by the rivets |13. The taper ofv the shaft end |69 is such that the weight of the basket is suicient to provide for a good frictional driving connection at this point, while at the same time, permitting a slight amount of slippage in starting and-stopping the rotation of the basket.

Perforations |14 arevformed in the side walls of the basket to permit the expelling of water from the basket during its operation. The base portionof the extractor basket is provided with a plurality of holes |15, to permit the drainage of water from this portion of the basket. The upper end of the extractor basket carries an annular ring |18, which is provided to prevent clothes from dropping between the extractor basket and its tub 2. 'I'his ring may be of stamped metal construction and is pressed into position on the top of the extractor basket.

A shaft seal is provided at the upper end of the extractor shaft bearing to prevent the ingress of water into the extractor gear case and to prevent the escape of oil from such gear case to the extractor tub. This seal is formed from 'a metallic bellows |11, which is sealed and secured at its upper end to the extractor shaft.

The lower end of the bellows is fitted with a sealing ring |18, which frictionally engages the smoothly finished end |19 oi. the extractor shaft bearing |63. 'I'he bellows |11 is slightly compressed so that its natural resiliency will urge the ring |18 into sealing contact with the end T19 of the bearing |83.

The helical gear |52 is xedly secured to a clutch member |80, which is freely journaled on the extractorshaft |55. At its upper end the clutch member is provided with a conical clutch face 8| The member |80 is held against axial movement` by the shaft shoulder' |82 and the collar |88.

Co-operating with the clutch member |80, which is connected to the spiral gear |52, there is provided a second clutch member |84, whichv has a lower conical clutch face |85, provided for co-cperation with the clutch face |8| of the aforesaid member. The clutch member |84 is slotted at |86, for receiving the shaft key |81. In this manner the member |84 is mounted for rotation with the shaft and for axially slideable movement thereon.

A spring |88 is compressed between the top of the clutch member |84 and the washer |89, which is held in position on the shaft |55 by means of the pin. |90. 'I'he upper end of the vertically slideable clutch member |84 is formed with a frustoconical brakev face |9|, which engages a brake member |92 having a brake face |93 of similar contour. The brake member |92 is provided with a pair of radially extending arms |94, which are vprovided for engagement by the fingers |95, of the clutch shifting fork- |96. 'Ihe brake member |92 has a pair of vertically channeled guideways |92* for receiving the guides |92b to prevent the rotation of the member |92.A

'The shifting fork |98 is ilxedly secured to the rod |91, by means of a set screw |98. The rod is journaled in a bearing |99, which is formed in the gear case base |49 and at its outer end it is provided with a crank arm 200. An oil seal 20| is fitted in the outer end of the bearing |99, to prevent the escape of oil from the' gear case at this point. The crank arm 200 is rigidly secured'to the end of the rod and held thereon by means of the nut 202. The crank arm 200 is engaged by the lower end of a rod 2.03, which is operated by means of the cam 35, provided by the extractor cover 84. Contact is maintained between the rod 208 and the cam 35 and arm 200, by means of the tension spring 204, which is secured at its ends to the crank 200 and the washing machine base 8.

The lower end of the rod 208 is threaded for the receptionof the bolt 205, by means of which its length can bev readily' adjusted. A lock nut 206 is provided for the bolt 205. I'he head of the bolt. 205 is received in a shallow cup 201,

which is formed in the end of the crank arm 200. The washing machine top plate-.1 has an apertured arm 208 integrally formed therewith for receiving and guiding the upper end of the rod 203. The lower end of the rod 208 is guided in a bracket which iscarried bythe machine base 6.

'During the operation of the motor 4, with the parts in the position they occupy in Figure 1, the extractor basket will be at rest with the braking surfaces 9| and |93 in contact with each other. To start the rotation of the basket 5, it is only necessary to close the lid 34, whereupon the movement of the cam allows the rod 203 and the crank arm 200 to rise under influence of the spring 204.

The movement of the crank larm 200 is transmitted to the shaft or rod |91, and its associated shifting-fork |96, which is thereby moved downwardly, lowering the brake member |92 out of contact with the brake surface |9|, of the combined clutch and brake member |84. Coincidentally with this operation, the spring |88 moves the clutch member downwardly, bringing the frictional clutch faces |8| and l|85 into engagement, whereupon the basket 5 is driven by the rotating member |80.

'I'he stopping of the extractor is accomplished by opening the lid 34. This operation moves the aforesaid extractorcontrol elements in a manner reverse to that just explained, to separate the clutch surfaces |8| and |85 and to bring the braking surfaces |9| and |98 into engagement whereby the basket is quickly brought to rest.

'Ihe pump is of the impeller type and it comprises a pump case 2|0 and a pump cover 2||., which inclose a bladed impeller 2|2. The pump case 2|0 has an'extended portion in which is formed a bearing 2|8 and a packing chamber through which the pump shaft |54 extends. 'I'he shaft 54. The extended portion ofthe pump case projects into the interior of the extractor gear case and the pump shaft by reason' of this connects with a iitting provided in the. bottoml of the extractor tub.

These connections are made by means o! flexible hose couplings 223 and 224,respectively,which are suitably secured at their ends to the ranches 22| and 222, and to the aforesaid parts. The litting connecting the pump with the extractor tub, comprises an internally threaded anged coupling 225, which is engagedby an externally threaded -anged screen member 226. Gaskets 221 are the liquid in the tub out through the stated drain opening provided for carrying away' the water in the extractor tub. The natural movement of the water in the extractor tub is in a direction. so that it tends to escape from the extractor tub by way of the stated drain opening.

'Ihe pump cover 2|| forms a trap for solid materials. The trap is iltted with a removable screen 229, which is held in position by means of the removable closure cap 230. The screen is located in the cover between the pump inlet and the conduits communicating with the tub drain openings and it serves to prevent small articles of clothing and other materials from getting into the pump case.

The draining of water from the washer compartment is-under control of the valve 29. This valve is of the plug type and its plug is connected f or rotational movement by a control handle 23|. For the position of the, handle as shown in Figure 1, the valve is in its open position and when the handle is turnedA about ninety degrees in a counter-clockwise direction, the valve is closed. IThe pump case is` of snail-shape construction and has a tangential outlet 232, on its periphery for connection withthe drain hose 26.

The top plate 'l is formed with an opening 233, for receiving the goose-neck 21, of the drain hose.

, As best shown in Figure 7, this hole terminates in a curved lip 234, which acts as a sort of a guard or trap toprevent Water escaping from the tub whenthe agitator is working and when the goose-neck is not in the hole.

The base 6 of the machine is formed from a steel stamping and it Ais provided with a centrally depressed portion 235, for the purpose of strengthening and stiffening it. The base is provided at its. outer edge with a downwardly extending skirted portion 236.

The lower web portion 235 of the base B is provided with separate apertures for receiving the washer driving mechanism gear case and 4thel extractor driving mechanism gear case. The base 6, as is best shown in Figures 16 to 19, is formed with a flanged marginal portion or skirt 236 and horizontal, vertically offset web portions and interconnecting stiffening web portions. The

washer and extractor tubs are supported from the upper horizontal portion and the gear cases are mounted in the lower horizontal portion of the base. The base'6 has a slnuous cross-sectional outline, as is shown. in sectional views Figures 17 to 19. y

By reason of this construction, a very rigid, yet light weight base is provided. The base is further strengthened by means of a plate 23`l, which is lwelded and riveted to the top of the base. This plate is located adjacent to the end ofthe base on Winch vthe extractor is supported. 'e

A plurality of threaded nuts 238, 239 and 240 are riveted to the base for the purpose oil-receiving the bolts which are used to secure the washer gear case, the extractor gear case and the legs of the machine to the base. In' forming the aforesaidnuts, they are provided with an annular reduced section adapted to closely iit within and project through the holes provided rin-.the base for their reception. The projecting annular portion of the nuts, Aas illustrated best in Figure 20, is then curled or peaned over theplate of the base to securely and rigidly x the nuts in position thereon. X

The lower half or the base 46, of the agitator driving mechanism gear case, is provided with.

three ears 24| upon which are formed the pads.

242. These pads or bosses are ground level with the top edge |22 of the gear case and are drilled at 243 for the reception of the bolts by means of which the gear case is secured to three nuts 238 which are carried by the stamped metal base 6. In a like manner, the lower half |49, ofthe extractor gear case is provided with three ears 244, upon the upper surface of which are formed the pads or bosses 245. The pads are ground level with the top of this part of the gear case and are drilled at 246, for receiving the bolts which engage the nuts 239,to secure the gear case to the base 6.

The ends of the nuts 238 and 239 are all ground, preferably with a surface grinder, so as to be on the same level and on a predetermined ldistance from the top of the base member 6. The portions of the gear cases which engage these nuts are also ground surfaces so. that by reason of this construction, great accuracy and uniformity can be maintained in the manufacture of this machine. The ground upper face lof the gear case bases 46 and |49 is used as arefereration on these cases.' Where such extreme accuracy is not required, the .grinding of thev ends of the nuts may b e dispensed with as the nuts are machined elements and do not vary greatly in length so that when attached to the base their ends remote therefrom would ordinarily all lie substantially within the same plane.

The skirt 236 of the base is pierced at 244 for receiving the leg securing rivets 245 one of which is provided for each of the legs. The legs 3 are of stamped metal construction;

The top of the legsvrest against the underside of the riveted nuts 240 and they aresecured to the base at these points by suitable bolts which are received by the nuts 24|). The leg rivets and leg bolts serve principally to hold the legs in position and do not carry any substantial part of the weight of the machine; and ,for this reason they are not apt to become loosened in the use ofthe machine.

The sturdy constructipn of the legs of an extractor type Washing machineis a very important detail for the reason that such machines are is formed in the skirt 236 of the base.

it is essential that the legs be secured to the machine in such a manner thatv the operation of the machine will 4not tend to loosen them.

The vertical pin 246 of the caster 9, is carried in a bearing member 241, which is received in the .lower end of the legs. The bearing member 241 -250, having an operating finger 25|. under control of an upstanding plate 252; whichis carried by the operating lever 30. The switch 250 is operated by a spring (not shown) in one direction and by the plate 252 in the opposite direction; thus, when the lever is shifted to the left, as viewed in Figure 5, the switch closes and starts the motor, and when the lever is shifted to the right, the plate 252 engages the nger 25| to open the switch.

'I'he operating lever 30 works in a slot 253, provided by the plate 254, which is secured by the bolts 254a in position over the slot 255, and which The plate 254 is laterally adjustable for adjusting the position of the lever 30, when the stops 256 and 251 of the quadrant |09 and segmental pinion |06 have been adjusted or led down, to compensate for wear between the agitator shaft pinion |04 and its driving segment 90. The plate 254 is provided with threeonotches 258, 259 and 260, formed in fone side of the slot 253,for locking the operating lever 30 in its oi position, motor operating position and washing position, respectively.

A water supply conduit 23 is connected by means of a coupling 26|, to the portion of the L shaped fitting 262, which extends from the side of the machine. The fitting 262 is'connected at its opposite end to the top plate 1 of the machine, by means of a lock nut 263, which engages with the threaded portion 264 of the tting, whereby to secure it in place on the top plate 1. The lock nut 263 alsoy serves to hold a sleeve 265 in position in the tt-ing 262.

'I'he sleeve 265 is of tapered construction and has a pair of spaced ports or openings 266 and 261, for communication with the fitting'262. A hollow tapered valve plug 268 is journaled in the member 265. -The plug has a port 269, which can be brought into registry with either of the ports of the member 265, and thus provide for fluid flow through the valve. The plug 268 is held in sealing relation with the member 265, by means of a nut 210 and washer 21|, which are secured to the threaded end portion 212 of the plug.

An integrally formed nozzle 213 and operating handle 214 are xedly secured to the plug member 268, by means of a threaded rod 215 and a cooperating wing nut 216. They rod is in threaded engagement with the lower end of the plug 268, while the wing nut engagesl the upper threaded -end of such rod. A glass cover `211 is interposed between the wing nut 216 andthe inlet end of the nozzle. A filter lor screen 218 isheld in placel by 'the cover 211 over the inlet opening of the nozzle 213, for the purpose of preventing solid particles of dirt and foreign material from passing through the nozzle 213 and staining the clothes. The screen 218 also serves to hold the water soluble pellets 219, which are formed from a suitable disinfecting material, and

e control device;

which are used to sterilize the clothes in the extractor basket.

In Figure 4, the spin-rinse valve parts are shown in the position they occupy when water is being dischargedinto the Washer tub. The cover 34 is mounted and arranged so thatwhen it,oc cupies its closed position, its underface is spaced above the top plate 1' a sufllcient distance to permit the nozzle 213 to be moved under the cover. When the handle is rotated so as to bring the nozzle under the extractor cover 34 as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1, the vvalve plug port 269 registers with the small port 266 of the sleeve 265, and a limited flow of water is discharged into the extractor tub for the purpose of rinsing and sterilizing the clothes contained therein, during the rotation of the extractor basket. The amount of water discharged into the extractor during the spin rinse operation is limited by the size of the valve port 266, so as to be slightly less than the maximum ow, the pump 25 is able to handle. In directing the nozzle 213 to either of the compartments of the machine, the port 269 is brought into registry with one or vthe other of the p orts 266 or 261. When the end ofthe nozzle overlies the portion of the top plate 1, which separates its openings 32 and 33, the valve ports are it possible to perform all of the customary washing and rinsing operations on the clothes with- -out removing the clothes from the machine. In

addition to these advantages, the spin-rinse device permits the use of scalding hot water and disinfectants to sterilize the clothes.

Furthermore it is to be understood that the particular forms of apparatus shown and described, and the particular procedure set forth are presented for purposes of explanation and that various modications of said apparatus and procedure can be made without departing from our invention as described in the appended claims.

The following list of applications for United States Letters Patent filed by us on the dates indicated, relate to'subject matter o1' invention common to that disclosed but not specifically claimed herein:

Details relating to centrifugal extractor and its operating mechanism, covered by our application, Serial No. 656,404, led May 13, 1933, for Laundry machine. and issued as Patent No. 2,087,571 on July 20, 1937;

Details of an operatingl mechanism for an agitator, covered by our application, Serial No. 684,- 202, filed August 8, 1933 for Clothes washer mechanism, and issued as Patent No. 2,046,258 on June 30, 1936;

Details of aliquid supply means for a laundry machine, covered by our application, Serial No. 684,203, filed August 8, 1933 for Liquid supply and Details and means for handling and pumping the liquid used in a laundry machine, covered by our application, Serial No.' 684,205, filed August 8, 1933 for ILiquid handling device;

Details of an agitator drive gearing, covered by our application, Serial No. 702,020, led December 12, 1933 for Laundry machine mechanism, issued November 5, 1 935, Patent No. 2,019,564. l

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. In a laundry machine, in combination, a

side by ,side, an elongated supporting base of unitary construction for carrying said casing structure, operating mechanism carried by said baser laundering means in the compartments of said casing structure operatively connected to said mechanism, said base being formed from sheet metal and having horizontal, vertically oil'- set portions and angularly disposed interconnecting stiffening web portions whereby a rigid light-weight base is provided, and a gear case for said operating mechanism supported in an aperture formed in the'lowermost offset portion of said base.

2. In a laundry machine, in combination, a casing structure having compartments located side by side, a supporting base for'carrying said casing structure, operating mechanism carried by said base. laundering means in the compartments of said casing structure operatively connected t'o said mechanism, said base being formed from sheet metal and having horizontal, vertically oilset portions and angularly disposed linterconnecting portions including a downwardly depending marginal skirt portion conforming to the marginal outline of said casing structure whereby a rigid light-weight base is provided,

` and a gear case for said operating mechanism supported in an aperture formed in the lowermost offset portion of said base.

3. In a portable laundry machine, a casing defining a pair of compartments located side by side and having top working openings, covers for said openings, a support for saidcasing, means for conveying liquid from the bottom of one compartment to the top of the other, and controllable means carried by and forming a part of the machine for discharging fresh water into one of said compartments.

4. In a laundry machine, a casing, a reinforcing and supporting base for said casing com- -prising va sheet metal plate having a marginal portion adapted to engage the casing bottom in supporting relation and having a web defining an aperture in the plate, said web and said marginal portion being of sinuous cross-sectional outline to increase the rigidity of the plate and having holes near said aperture, operating means for the machine including a gear case received within the aperture of said base having bosses with apertures which register with the holes of said plate, and means including members passing through such base holes and gear ca'se apertures for securing said gear case to said plate.

5. In a laundry machine, in combination, a casing structure defining a pair of compartments arranged side by side, an elongated, horizontally disposed sheet metal supporting base therefor, means for securing said Acasing structure in supported relation upon said base, laundering means in the compartments of said casing structure, interconnected mechanisms for operating said laundering means, a pair of gear cases for housing said mechanisms having machined, plane surfaces facing said supporting plate, and means for securing said gear cases to said base including machined members flxedly secured to said base and interposed between and in contact with said base and the machined surfaces oi said gear cases, three of such members being associated with each of said gear cases to define three-point suspensions therefor, the ends of such members all lying in a common horizontal plane.

6. In a laundry machine, in combination, a casing structure dening a pair of compartments arranged side by side, an elongated. horizontally disposed sheet metal supporting base therefor, means for securing said casing structure in supported relation upon said base. laundering means lnthe compartments of said casingl structure. interconnected mechanisms for operating said laundering means, a pair of gear cases for housing s aid mechanisms havingl machined, piane surfaces facing said supporting plate, and means lfor securing said gear cases to said base including machinedmembers flxedly carried by and projecting from said base with their `ends lying in a common horizontal plane and engaging with the machined surfaces of said gear cases.

7. In a laundry machine, a receptacle. a rigid supporting .base for saidv receptacle comprising a sheet metal plate of sinuous cross-sectional outline having a marginal portion upon which the bottom of said receptacle rests in supported relation, said plate also having an oilset web defining an aperture in the plate,v operating means for the machine including a gear case received within the aperture of said base, and means for securing said gear case to said base.

8. In a laundry machine, a receptacle, a rigid supporting base for said receptacle comprising a e sheet metal plate of sinuous cross-sectional outline having a top marginal portion upon which thebottom of said receptacle rests in supported relation, saidl plate also having a web located on a level a substantial distance below the top marginal portion and deiining an aperture in the plate, operating means for the machine including a gear case received within the aperture of said base, and means for securing said gear case to said base.

9. In a laundry machine, a receptacle, a rigid supporting base for said receptacle comprising a sheet metal plate of sinuous cross-sectional outline having a marginal portion upon which the bottom of said receptacle rests in supported relation, said plate also having an offset web defining an aperture in the plate, resilient cushioning means interposed between the marginal portion of said plate and the bottom of said receptacle, operating means for the machine including a gear case received within the aperture of said base, and means for securing said gear case to said base.

10. In a laundry machine, al receptacle, a rigid supporting base for saidv receptacle comprising a sheet metal plate of sinuous cross-sectional outline having a marginal portion upon which the bottom of said receptacle rests in supported relation, said plate also having an offset web defining an aperture in the plate, vresilient cushioning means interposed between the marginal portion of said plate and the bottom oi said receptacle, fastening means including a resilientv cERTFIcATE oF CORRECTION.

-- PatentNo. 2,O9.9,l645. v v November 16, 1957.

wALTER A. FRANTZ', ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 5, first column, line 524., for the word "tube'fread tub; page 'I second column, .line

28, strike, out "crbossesn and.4 insert the same after the word-"pads" in` line 2?; page 9, first column, line l0, claim l, Strike Out the words "stiffening web"; s .nd that the said Letters Patent should be read with .this .corfrection therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent office. I I

Signed und sealed this 1st day Vof February, A. D. l1958.

l -Hsnry .Van Arsdale, '(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.- 

